Skin glands in the outer ear canal make ear wax, also known as cerumen,. This vital antifungal, antibacterial and waterproofing secretion is often considered an annoyance. However the wax is actually exceptionally useful and removing too much of it can cause health and hearing problems. Silk Hearing’s expert audiologist Rory Kewney explains more about ear wax and why it’s so important.
What is ear wax made of?
It consists of shed skin cells, hair and the secretions of glands found in your outer ear canal. These secretions are made up of long-chain fatty acids, alcohols, squalene and cholesterol. On average, 60% of ear wax is Keratin. In other words it is the key structural material that makes up hair, nails, horns, claws, hooves and the outer layer of human skin. Keratin is insoluble in water, which explains the waxy texture of it.
Why do we need it?
It protects and moisturises your ear canal skin to prevent dry and itchy ears. It also contains chemicals that fight off infections, and acts as a shield for the eardrum. For example it traps dust and dirt so that they can not travel deeper inside your ear.
Why does it build up?
If your body produces too much wax, it can cause a build-up of secretions that lead to irritation and can cause a blockage. This is when excess or compacted wax presses against your eardrum. Subsequently it can block the outer ear canal or your hearing aid.
Does it make your ears itch?
An allergic reaction to something in the ear can sometimes cause itchiness. However, producing too much or too little wax can also cause the itchiness. If your body makes too little cerumen, your outer ear can become dry. This causes the skin to crack, which often leads to chronic itching. Making your ears “too clean” by removing too much wax can also cause your ears to itch. The wax in our ears is a vital protective layer for your ear. Removing that protection leads to irritation and infection.
How can you remove it safely?
After it is produced, the wax makes its way through the outer ear canal to the opening of the ear and then either falls out or is removed when you wash. Most of us don’t need to clean our ears at all, but if you do experience a build-up, you can use ear drops to break up the wax at home. Whatever you do, don’t try to clean out your ear canal using tissue, cotton buds or anything else. Never insert items into your ear — this can push the wax further into your ear canal and cause a blockage, which can lead to pain, infections and even hearing loss.
If you are unable to remove the wax at home using ear drops, Silk Hearing can help. Our local audiologists can visit you at home if you live within a few miles of our Macclesfield clinic or you can come and visit us if you live further afield. Methods that professional audiologists like us use to remove the cerumen include hooking and micro-suction — this is the preferred option as it is quick, painless and very effective.
Are you experiencing discomfort because of Ear Wax?
Contact Silk Hearing for a same or next-day appointment in our local Macclesfield clinic.
Treatments start at just £40 per ear and our quick and pain-free micro-suction treatments can be completed in a matter of minutes. Speak to one of our friendly and fully qualified audiologists now and get relief from your discomfort and ear pain.